Faculty and Staff
Department Chair | Dept. Administrative Aides | Full-time Faculty | Part-time Faculty | Staff
Department Chair
Email: kimberly.george@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6131
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105Q
Educational Background
I started teaching at MC in 2011 as adjunct faculty, moved to the Science Learning Center in 2017 and most recently transitioned to full time faculty in Fall 2020. I fell in love with microbiology as an undergraduate in medical technology and pursued my graduate degree in microbiology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore where I studied anaerobic bacteria involved in periodontal disease. I spent several years in industry researching differential gene expression in bacteria and antiviral resistance in HIV.PhD, University of Maryland, Baltimore
MS, University of Maryland, Baltimore
BA, University of Connecticut
Department Administrative Aides
Email: terry.gulston@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1408
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105
Full-time Faculty
Email: abdulai.barrie@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7826
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105R
Educational Background
MD, St. George’s UniversityMS, Texas Southern University
BS, University of Sierra Leone
Email: nelson.bennett@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3968
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105L
Biography
Teaching Philosophy: Make science relevant and fun.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: Great students and excellent standards.
Short Biography: DC area native, science was career change, love anatomy, have 3 cats and 2 dogs.
The one thing I want students to know: That I was also once a struggling student.
Educational BackgroundMS, Biology (Evolution and Ecology)
BS, Personnel Management and Labor Relations
BA, German Literature
Email: aksana.chabatar@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3965
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205R
Biography
A primary aspect of my teaching style involves enthusiasm. I believe that enthusiasm of teaching couples with enthusiasm of learning. It allows students to meet their educational goals and enjoy their time during the study process.Teaching at Montgomery College gives me an exciting opportunity to establish a rewarding student-professor partnership with a diverse population of students encompassing different academic backgrounds and life experiences.
I came to the USA from the small Eastern European country of Belarus, where I was born and earned my academic degrees. I acquired teaching experience at Belarus State Technological University while teaching courses of physical and colloidal chemistry. My graduate work was focused on solid solutions of barium titanates and their applications in chemical sensors for gases. I have experienced the wonderful opportunity to teach at all three campuses of Montgomery College!
The one thing I want students to know: I would like my students to develop some important critical thinking skills that will be beneficial to them in the world beyond chemistry.
Educational Background
MS in Chemical Engineering Other: completion of the qualifying examinations and PhD work in Physical Chemistry Certificate BS, MS from Belarus State Technological University, Minsk, Belarus
Email: Sean.Cooney@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1420
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105F
Biography
As an instructor, I seek to help students recognize their own self-worth by motivating them to become independent thinkers. On the way to obtaining this goal, I also encourage them to be enthusiastic about their educational journey.I enjoy working at MC because I get to interact with people from all over the world. Through my academic studies, I have gained in-depth knowledge of many scientific subjects including biology, environmental science, oceanography, ecology, chemistry, physics, ecophysiology, and biometrics. Prior to joining Montgomery College, I worked as research scientist at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and possess current knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem processes and have experience mentoring junior scientists and student interns in investigations of aquatic ecosystem.
The one thing I want students to know: I am here to guide students through the fascinating world of Biology.
Educational Background
BS from University of Maryland at College Park in Marine Biology
MS from University of Maryland College Park - Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental
Sciences Program in Biological Oceanography
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105G
Biography
I started my college career with a focus in Archaeology (thank you Indiana Jones), then switched to Anthropology/Primatology (thank you Jane Goodall). In studying primates and the evolutionary relationships between them, I realized that I wanted to study Evolution more broadly. I joined a lab as an undergraduate that focused on coevolution, and adopted the plant/mycorrhizal fungi interaction as a model system through which to study species interactions. My dissertation research took a Quantitative Genetics approach to studying how pine genetics influence their interaction with mycorrhizal fungi.Teaching Philosophy
Creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students develop a fundamental understanding of biology and the practical skills to apply that knowledge while building their self- confidence as learners is my primary goal as a teacher. I also work very hard to create a friendly, encouraging environment where students have no reservations about asking myself or their fellow students for help or advice.
Why I love teaching/working at MC
I love the community here!
The one thing I want students to know:
It's okay to have questions! We're all here to learn :)
Email: adel.halli@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1414
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205E
Biography
I am a very strong proponent for the Socratic Method. It allows students to be fully engaged and incite their creativity.MC provides an environment that encourages learning and focuses on students success. Dr. Halli has been teaching at MC since Fall 1996 as a part time faculty first. He earned a Master’s and a PhD from Pierre-Marie Curie University Paris VI in France. Interests include learning innovative ways to improve students learning and theoretical and applied chemistry and physics.
The one thing I want students to know: Your learning and success is the main reason why I love teaching.
Educational Background
BS, University Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, Morocco
M. Sci. Pierre-Marie Currie University – Paris – France
PhD, Pierre-Marie Currie University – Paris – France
Email: valerie.lantz@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3989
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105K
Biography
I want students to really know and understand the material in the class, so they can be successful in subsequent courses. I use a lot of activities to help students better understand and remember the concepts and it makes class more interesting and fun.
I love teaching! I am especially happy when I have a class that is actively engaged and tries to answer questions and participates.After growing up in Maryland, I attended UMBC as an undergraduate in Biology. I attended Princeton University via grants where I used molecular biology to study early development in Drosophila fruit fly. During my postdoctoral work at Washington University, I studied myosin and its role in early development using cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. My husband and I met and married in graduate school and have 2 children.
The one thing I want students to know: I want students to know that I root for every one of them to succeed.
Educational Background
BA, in Biological Sciences at UMBC
MS and PhD, in Molecular Biology at Princeton University
Email: Alex.micich@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1347
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105M
Biography
My teaching philosophy is to provide students with the most tools possible for success, recognizing that each student learns in different ways and at different levels of understanding. MC allows me the freedom to teach first and foremost.I have been teaching at different levels most of my adult life. I find teaching to be the most honorable of professions. My scientific interests include neuroscience, cognition, neural development, and nutrition
The one thing I want students to know: That I try to be very accessible and that the main goal in our joint endeavor is success.
Educational Background
BA from Stony Brook University in Biological Sciences
MS from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Anatomy and Cell Biology
MDiv from St. Vladimir’s Academy in Theology
Email: kathryn.monzo@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6117
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105C
Biography
My college career started as a student at Austin Community College. I completed undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Texas at Austin. During my research training, I was interested in the regulation of early embryonic cell divisions and blood vessel formation. My interest in science education grew when I was a researcher at the National Institutes of Health. I was a teaching fellow with the Integrated Life Sciences Honors Program at the University of Maryland College Park for six years before joining the Montgomery College community.
Email: kmorri68@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3961
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 105E
Biography
Originally from Mississippi, Dr. Morris is a biomedical scientist working in the field of science education. As an African American male who grew up in a working-class community in Mississippi, Dr. Morris spent most of his K-12 education in underserved school districts. With the support of the educators in his life, he became the first person with a college and an advanced degree in his family. Dr. Morris completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Mississippi and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at Emory University. During his time in graduate school at Emory University, Dr. Morris worked on a project that aimed to determine the function of a disease-associated protein in the brain that when mutated causes severe developmental delay. In his postdoctoral position, he researched the best practices in science education and mentorship for high school and undergraduate students with the US Army at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Morris has strong scientific interests in cell and molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, and student development. Dr. Morris hopes his work continues to contribute to the diversification of the STEM workforce by improving STEM education pathways for all learners.Educational Background
PhD, Emory University
BS, University of Mississippi
Email: cory.newman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1413
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205Q
Biography
My primary research interests involve asymmetric catalysis and the development of new and efficient chiral catalysts. In my graduate work I studied the catalytic asymmetric aza-Diels Alder reaction as well as the aziridination reaction.
Teaching Philosophy: Every interaction allows for a teaching opportunity. I am open to advise/instruct students at any time about course related material, career choices, or any other areas that in can help the student be successful.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: Montgomery College has a diverse population of students that offers a challenging and rewarding teaching experience. I also enjoy the flexibility to try different pedagogical approaches in the classroom and/or laboratory setting.
The one thing I want students to know: To all current, past, prospective, future students ... lf my door is open, come on in I
PhD from Michigan State University in Organic Chemistry
B.S. from Butler University in Chemistry
Email: fnifiati@montgomerycolege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1640
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205C
Educational Background
BS - University of loannina, Greece
MS - City University of NY
PhD - City University of NY, Hunter College
Email: solomon.teklai@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1415
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 205L
Email: carole.wolin@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1424
Office Location: Germantown Campus, CM 202F
Biography
My goal is to actively engage all students in the learning process, to get them to think, and encourage them to challenge themselves.I love teaching at Montgomery College because of the wonderful students.
I received my Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of California at Davis, where my dissertation had an ecological focus. My publications include ones on mutualism and population dynamics in a patchy environment. I also have a M.S. in Zoology from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. in Biology from Reed College. At Montgomery College I teach and co-coordinate Human Anatomy and Physiology BIOL212 and 213 and teach honors courses including Scientific Inquiry HONR105AA. I am also the Director of the Renaissance Scholars Honors Program at the TP/SS campus. I have particular interests in honors education, developing research opportunities for students, interdisciplinary studies, and the workings of the human body.
The one thing I want students to know: I have a passion for guiding students through the learning process, sharing my excitement with learning, and helping them grow as individuals. I also mentor students with respect to honors research, conference presentation, and the transfer process.
Part-time Faculty
Email: Kirubel.Assegid@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1332
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, SS 325A
Educational Background & Teaching Philosophy
Educational Background:
PhD, Chemistry and Biochemistry – George Mason University
BS/MS, Biochemistry/Analytical Chemistry – George Mason University
Teaching Philosophy:
The fundamental principles of chemistry are understood better by experiencing the
process in the laboratories. - “Theory Guides; Experiment Decides.” Izaak Maurits (Piet) Kolthoff
Email: Antonio.Chaves@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1679
Office Location: Takoma Park Silver Spring Campus, SS 123
Biography
I want to make science interesting and accessible to students with a wide variety of academic backgrounds.MC provides people of a wide range of academic and socioeconomic backgrounds a second chance to better themselves.
I graduated from the University of Maryland in 1982 with a B.S. in fish and wildlife. After two years in the Peace Corps, I worked in the shrimp-farming industry. Eventually, I went back to college and earned a Ph.D. in zoology at Texas A&M University in 1999. My biggest passion is how to minimize the trade off between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The one thing I want students to know: There are no short-cuts to success: If you graduate from college without ever being intellectually challenged you will be disappointed with the job market.
Email: rebecca.davis@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 443-819-0996
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Biography
I see biology as a way to explore this marvelous world around us! My study & research interests have spanned a plethora of topics. I’ve studied wolves & bison interacting during a hunt; Eastern spotted skunks in Louisiana; Maori concepts of stewardship, well-being, & respect; ecological worldviews; and hemp farming & phytoremediation in Pennsylvania. I even got to throw in entangled particles! All of it is exciting and I want more!
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
Email: oneil.gayle@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, P4, Room 306
Biography
Dr. Gayle has served for many years in the biotech industry. His past work involved the extensive use of monoclonal antibodies in the development of therapies for lupus, meningitis, acellular pertussis, as well as QC analysis and release of immunotherapies (CAR T cells) for the treatment of multiple myeloma.Educational Background
- BS, Chemistry, Howard University
- MS, Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University
- EdD, Higher Education Administration, STEM Engagement, Northeastern University
- Postgraduate Diploma, Clinical Research Administration, University of Liverpool, UK
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching is an engaging and developing process. The instructor’s role is to facilitate the learning process. All students can learn, provided they’re equipped with the essential learning tools such as a stimulating learning environment that challenges their critical and analytical thinking skills as well as nurturing their curiosity.Why I Love Teaching/Working at MC
I’ve worked at MC in the past (2005-2008). I enjoy teaching/working at MC because of its culture, diverse student population, student engagement opportunities and friendly atmosphere for both faculty, staff and students. MC also provides opportunities for faculty / staff professional development through rigorous training seminars, collaboration, as well as through mentoring.One Thing I Want Students to Know
There’s nothing in this world that’s worth achieving, that does not require sacrifice, dedication, and persistence. It is through fortitude that the highest goals in life are achieved.Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
Email: georges.haddad@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Germantown Campus
Educational Background
BS, Biology, American University of Beirut, LebanonMS, Physiology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
PhD, Physiology & Biophysics, University of Sherbrooke, Canada
Email: steven.htet@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1679
Office Location: Takoma Park Silver Spring Campus, SS 123
Biography
Nice environment and teaching schedule.Started as an engineer. Later trained to become a researcher. Ended up incorporating both of my trainings and teaching them to college students.Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Plan out your career path and work toward that goal steadily.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from University of Washington
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, P4 305
Email: BMeyssam@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, P4 305
Education Background
BS, Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland at College Park
MS, Food Science and Nutrition, University of Maryland at College Park
PhD, Food and Biochemical Engineering, University of Florida at Gainesville
Email: Neda.Nikoobakht@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1332
Office Location: Takoma Park Silver Spring Campus, 325 A
Biography
I have more than 10 years of experience in teaching chemistry and more than 4 years of research experience in analysis of trace amount of persistent organic pollutants in environmental samples.
B.S. from University of Isfahan in Chemistry
M.S. from University of Kashan in Physical Chemistry
M.S. from Stockholm University in Environmental Chemistry
M.S. from University of Manitoba in Analytical Chemistry
Teaching Philosophy: Although in the everyday life, the concept of teaching might be overlooked, when I think about it, I find it perhaps one of the most exceptional and highly developed skills of a human being. In fact, I could not find anything more sacred than teaching. It is about influencing someone's way of thinking and knowledge and certainly changing someone's behaviors!
Why I love teaching/working at MC: For me, teaching is a rewarding experience, accompanied
with a sense of spiritual accomplishment that one does not often experience in his/her
daily 21st century-style life.
The one thing I want students to know: I having been a student, I realize listening
and learning would even need more work, patience and sacrifice.
Email: steven.raft@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1422
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SS 123
Biography
Instructors should inspire, promote real learning, and – whenever possible - facilitate students’ progress toward career goals.I enjoy interacting with the highly diverse MC student population.
I have always been interested in the biology of human communication. After working for some time as a speech pathologist, I obtained a PhD in neuroscience, studying the development of hearing function in mammals. In subsequent research, I contributed to our understanding of how embryonic stem cells give rise to the many different inner ear cell types that support hearing in mammals. Apart from teaching, I like playing music with friends at home and at small venues in and around DC.
The one thing I want students to know: Scientific literacy is important – it is one way of being an informed and empowered individual in society.
Educational Background
BA, Music Performance, New York University
MS, Speech and Hearing Science, Teachers College, Columbia University
PhD, Neuroscience and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University
Office Location: Germantown Campus, SS 123
Educational Background
BS, Biochemistry, Bharathiar University, IndiaMS, Biochemistry, Bharathiar University, India
PhD, Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Periyar University, India
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, RC-111
Biography
I am a scientist, information technologist, clinician, researcher, paradigm shifter, and lifelong learner. I worked in the IT field for many years, before deciding to pursue a career in medicine. I completed a post-baccalaureate pre-medicine program at Georgetown University and then went on to complete a Master’s degree. Shortly after, I was accepted into medical school at GW. I knew medical school was going to be rigorous, but I was not prepared for what it would do to my personal well-being and happiness. It is certainly not for everyone. Though I had decided to end my pursuit of an MD, my medical education had taught me something important – I loved to teach. Peer to peer teaching as part of our curriculum and it was extremely satisfying. I can honestly say, I could not be happier since my move into academia. I have been able to bring to my students a wealth of medically relevant knowledge and experiences that I believe help enrich their learning experience.Educational Background
BS from University of Montana in Computer Science
MS from Georgetown University in Biohazardous Threats and Emerging Infectious Diseases
Email: Nidhi.verma@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1679
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, SS 123
Biography
I believe that learning is a lifelong process. The pursuit of knowledge follows with the desire to be able to think constructively based on the scientific method. The innovative thinking process accompanied with the requisite tools empowers the students so as to make a significant difference in their learning.I love to teach at MC due to its diverse student population where I get to address multiple learning styles. I worked at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences USUHS, National Institutes of Research NIH before I started teaching at MC. My area of research at USUHS was neurosciences:Weis S., Llenos I.C. , Dulay J.R. , Verma N., Sabunciyan S. , Yolken R.H. 2007 Changes in region- and cell type-specific expression patterns of neutral amino acid transporter 1 ASCT-1 in the anterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Journal of Neural Transmission, 114, 261-271.Besides teaching at MC, I have taught several biology courses as Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Principles of Biology, General Biology at University of Maryland University College UMUC,Trinity Washington University, Washington, D.C, Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) to name a few.
I would like my students to know that they are accountable for their own success and they should truly strive for excellence. Students therefore enjoy the journey of their learning process and achieve the outcomes.
Educational Background
PhD, Biochemistry , University of Lucknow, IndiaMS, Biochemistry , University of Lucknow, India
BS, Biochemistry , University of Lucknow, India
Staff
Email: dwayne.henry@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1418
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 108A
Biography
Why I love teaching/working at MC: I love the fact that what I do has a direct impact on the future and success of others.
The one thing I want students to know: There is no timeframe as to when success should
be achieved as long as the achievement takes place.
Educational Background
Certification in Management & Supervision
Rochester Institute of Technology
American Management Association
Email: Steve.Berg@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1417
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 212
Biography
Train/teach students concept so that they become accustomed to thinking while working. Insist that students understand when and WHY they must prepare lab materials to a given stringency in order to ensure the integrity of the preps.I enjoy working with multicultural students, staff and instructors. Having spent many years as a research bench scientist in fields ranging from wound healing and molecular genetics to molecular retrovirology (HIV), I feel very fortunate to return to the college environment and once again work with students as I had when I started out working in academic laboratories many years ago.
The one thing I want students to know: It is of the utmost important to be happy in one’s career choices.
Educational Background
BS from University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in Psychobiology (Neuroscience)
MS from Johns Hopkins in Biotechnology, C.L.Sp.(MB) administered by National Certification Agency (NCA) in Clinical Laboratory Science
Email: jason.michel@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1464
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 021
Biography
For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by nature, science, and technology,
whether it was distant planets and dinosaurs or particle accelerators and robots.
Eventually I decided to study chemistry because it's the "central science" with pathways
leading toward biology and physics as well as most fields of engineering. It was a
logical starting point in case my interests started to pull me in one particular direction.
The direction that pulled me the most was nanotechnology, more specifically functional
nanomaterials like nanoscale tubes, fibers, particles, as well as the functional nanostructures
or even nanomachines they might compose. After receiving a Bachelors in chemistry
I was very interested in nanomaterials used in energy conversion technology and remote
power applications. I was lucky enough to be able to do research into how to direct
the shape of nanoparticles during their formation, which led to the synthesis of more
efficient fuel cell catalysts. I have also done research in nanocrystalline semiconductor
materials in the search for more efficient thermoelectrics. Currently it is my honor
to be a part of this same type of journey for budding scientists, engineers, and medical
professionals, and I will do everything in my power to ensure student success.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: Everyone at MC is so dedicated to the students.
It's obvious every day that student success is the number one priority here. The best
kind of workplace is one when everyone has the same clear mission, priorities, and
goals. That's most likely the reason so many people devote decades of service to the
college.
The one thing I want students to know:Learning science, even chemistry, is only as
difficult as you make it. Don't ever give up, because once it clicks, it sticks, and
you'll never forget it.
BS, Chemistry, Northwestern State University
PhD, Chemistry, Vanderbilt University
Email: kingsley.onunogbo@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3969
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 209
Educational Background
NMD,Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, University of Bridgeport, Connecticut
BS, Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Email: teerasak.patamawenu@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6132
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 021
Biography
A highly motivated, former senior scientist with over 20+ years of industrial experience in FDA approved diagnostic kits and product development for Research Diagnostics and Clinical/Non-clinical Chemistry. Recognized and identified for solving technical problems, capital budgeting, scaling up protocols, setting control systems, transferring technologies, high throughput instrumentations, and training new personnel for cGMP, GLPs, and ISO 9001 standards. Last project was anthrax vaccine develo ment.
Teaching Philosophy: Set educational purpose and learning goals for my students.
Why I love teaching/working at MC: I do believe in lifelong learning. MC is the best place to providing all of great environment to students.
The one thing I want students to know:
Think outside the box and never stop to learning new things.
AA, Pre-Medicine, MC
BS, Software Engineering, Strayer University
MS, Biomedical Sciences, Hood College
0:240-567-1464; C: 240-899-0266